Royal Croquet Club was a ‘cracking success’ despite ‘significant challenges’ for Adelaide Fringe venue

ROYAL Croquet Club delivered second-highest ticketed show at this year’s Adelaide Fringe, according to new director who says event was a “cracking success”.

The former directors of the Royal Croquet Club, Tom Skipper and Stuart Duckworth, leaving the District Court last month where they being sued for $708,000. Picture: Dylan Coker

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THE Royal Croquet Club had a “cracking” year despite having just 10 days to prepare for this year’s Adelaide Fringe, according to its new director.

Cibo Espresso principal founder Roberto Cardone, who along with businessman Jason Di Iulio took control of the troubled event this year, said the Pinky Flat attraction delivered the Fringe’s second highest ticketed show and three in the top 20.

He said other attractions, the ticketed open-air concert space Big River Motel and Neon Forrestm were also a “smashing success”.

“All this with ten days to prepare and in the face of significant challenges,” he said.

360 Allstars who performed at the Royal Croquet Club at this year’s Adelaide Fringe. Picture: Calum Robertson

Mr Cardone and Mr Di Iulio took ownership of the RCC from previous directors Stuart Duckworth and Tom Skipper, whose company RCC Pty Ltd was placed in administration last year with debts in excess of $1 million.

Adelaide City Council granted the new RCC a five-year licence at Pinky Flat in January after Mr Di Iulio threatened to withdraw funding for the event.

The Advertiser revealed last month that investors and businessman Leigh Morgan and Mathew Fitch are suing Mr Duckworth and Mr Skipper for $708,084.